Applications of 3D GIS Technology in Digital Virtual Mine

Three dimensional (3D) GIS has become an integral part in many mining applications. This paper examines how 3D GIS can be used with and integrated into visualization system. We analyze several key characteristics visualization techniques should satisfy in order to be used efficiently by 3D GIS, and show how 3D GIS can provide visualization and animation features for geo objects by embedding the visualization system. The approach for the construction and visualization of complicated mining engineering environment implemented in the system is described in detail. Aspects like presentations of multidimensional data with spatial dependence, navigation in the geographical frame of reference and in time, interaction techniques are presented. Real data derived from an iron mine of China demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the system.